The Big 12 has issued a public reprimand of Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield and Kansas Captains

The Big 12 Conference announced Tuesday a public reprimand of Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and Kansas’ captains for their actions during Saturday’s game.

“Mr. Mayfield’s actions are unacceptable and should not be tolerated,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a news release. “I am grateful for the efficient management of this matter by the coaches and administration of the University of Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield is a truly outstanding competitor and I generally appreciate his style of play and the manner in which he competes. However, the behavior he exhibited on the sideline during the Oklahoma-Kansas game was inappropriate and contrary to our sportsmanship policies.”

OU coach Lincoln Riley on Monday announced the punishment for the senior quarterback who is about to play his last home game in Norman. Mayfield will not start nor will be a captain during the Sooners’ Senior Day game Saturday against West Virginia.

“I knew something needed to be done. And so, like I said, I put coach Riley in a terrible spot,” Mayfield said. “It’s not a decision any coach wants to make, but it was necessary.”

Kansas’ captains refused to shake Mayfield or any other OU captains’ hands during the coin flip before Saturday’s kickoff, setting off a series of events that made larger headlines than the game itself.

“The refusal of these student-athletes to shake an opponent’s hand during the pre-game ceremony is contrary to tradition and inconsistent with common courtesy,” Bowlsby said. “The pre-game handshake among team captains is symbolic of good sportsmanship. This breach of protocol is not in keeping with the standards of the Big 12 Conference. I am grateful for the work of the Kansas administration and coaches to resolve this matter.”